Why Make This Recipe
When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a warm, creamy dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace. Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles is just that! This dish combines tender egg noodles with juicy shredded chicken in a rich, buttery sauce that warms the soul. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease and versatility. In just one pot, you can create a satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken. So, whether you’re looking to feed hungry kids or impress guests, this dish has you covered.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
- 8 oz. egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Egg Noodles
- Begin by cooking the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes, but check the package for specifics. Once the noodles are tender, drain them and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble gently, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine.
- Season the Sauce
- Now it’s time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, which should take about 5 minutes. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.
- Combine Chicken and Noodles
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded chicken. Make sure the chicken is heated through. After that, add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully to coat the noodles and chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish
- Your Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles are now ready to be served hot. To make it extra special, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comfort dish that can be enjoyed on its own, but you can also pair it with side dishes for a more rounded meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With a Salad: A light garden salad with a simple vinaigrette will balance the richness of the noodles perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed broccoli or green beans adds color and nutrition to the plate.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
If you have leftovers (which is often the case because this dish is too good!), here are some storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles for longer storage. Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them on the stove over low heat. Stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
- Use Leftover Chicken: This dish is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. It saves time and adds great flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add more garlic or onion powder if you love those flavors.
- Add Cheese: For an extra creamy and cheesy version, mix in some grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to elevate the dish further. Fresh herbs add vibrant flavor and make the dish look more appealing.
- Cook the Noodles Correctly: Be careful not to overcook the noodles. They should be slightly al dente since they’ll continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
Variation
There are countless ways to customize Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles to suit your taste preferences:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms or sautéed spinach to create a delightful vegetarian dish.
- Add Vegetables: You can include peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. Just toss them into the skillet when making the sauce.
- Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of noodle?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can easily swap them for pasta like fettuccine, rotini, or even gluten-free options if needed.
2. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it very appealing to kids. You can even let them help by tossing in the cooked noodles.
3. How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter. You can also increase the number of vegetables to make it more filling without adding many calories.
Enjoy the warmth and comfort of Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles, and remember, this dish is just as delightful to make as it is to eat!
Print
Creamy Chicken Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A warm and creamy dish featuring tender egg noodles, juicy shredded chicken, and a rich buttery sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions for about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded chicken until heated through, then add the cooked egg noodles.
- Toss everything together to coat the noodles and chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.
Notes
This dish can be customized by adding vegetables, using leftover chicken, or adjusting the seasoning to taste. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, buttery noodles, comfort food, easy weeknight meals, chicken recipes